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Hamilton County Ag Society member Richard Schaffert (center) was recognized for his service within the Ag Society and Hamilton County for more than 50 years on Thursday night at the opening ceremonies of the county fair. The fairgrounds Commercial Building was renamed the Richard & Stella Schaffert Exhibit Hall in their honor.

Hamilton County Ag Society member Richard Schaffert (center) was recognized for his service within the Ag Society and Hamilton County for more than 50 years on Thursday night at the opening ceremonies of the county fair. The fairgrounds Commercial Building was renamed the Richard & Stella Schaffert Exhibit Hall in their honor.

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Commercial Building renamed after Richard Schaffert

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Aurora resident Richard Schaffert was recognized last week for his more than 50 years of dedication as a member of the Hamilton County Fair and Agricultural Society.
One of the participants in the peewee beef showmanship event on Friday leads her calf around the arena.

One of the participants in the peewee beef showmanship event on Friday leads her calf around the arena.

County fair numbers up across the board

Staff Reports
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
No matter who you ask, from fair board members to exhibitors to carnival attendees to out of town livestock show judges, the 2025 Hamilton County Fair was a rousing success!
Thursday was an historic day for downtown Aurora as demolition of the Gambles building began at 8 a.m. and was mostly done before noon.

Thursday was an historic day for downtown Aurora as demolition of the Gambles building began at 8 a.m. and was mostly done before noon.

Gambles building demolished

News Staff
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The former Gambles building on the east side of the square in Aurora was reduced to a pile of brick and debris Thursday, all in a matter of hours. Demolition started at about 8 a.m.
Cones were put up Tuesday night blocking a portion of 13th Street on the east side of the square, in preparation for demolition equipment to be set up Wednesday so that demolition of the former Gambles building can begin on Thursday.

Cones were put up Tuesday night blocking a portion of 13th Street on the east side of the square, in preparation for demolition equipment to be set up Wednesday so that demolition of the former Gambles building can begin on Thursday.

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Gambles building to be demolished

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The Aurora City Council approved plans Tuesday night to take down the former Gambles building on the east side of the downtown square, with demolition crews expected to begin the two-day process on Thursday.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

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4R school’s strategic plan remains a work in progress

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The Aurora 4R School Board reviewed the status of various focus areas of the district’s strategic plan last week with Supt. Jody Phillips emphasizing the need to follow through with a process initiated to improve all aspects of operations, beginning with academic programming and student achievement.
This year's ANR photo contest winners all share an eye for what makes a great photo

This year's ANR photo contest winners all share an eye for what makes a great photo

An eye for eye-catching images

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
This year’s winning photos in the ANR Amateur Photo Contest were taken with everything from high-end cameras with special lenses to cell phones, but whether the images were captured with a DSLR at precise settings or snapped in the spur of the moment on an i-Phone, all show an eye for framing,...
The Leadership Center hosted two welding camps to give 40 students from 7th to 12th grade the opportunity to learn different welding techniques and meet with professionals from local welding businesses.

The Leadership Center hosted two welding camps to give 40 students from 7th to 12th grade the opportunity to learn different welding techniques and meet with professionals from local welding businesses.

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The Leadership Center introduces new welding camps

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Sparks were flying inside Central City High School’s welding shop, with 20 students from all over Nebraska eager to improve their welding skills in The Leadership Center’s (TLC) Welding Camp.
Cardboard Creations camper Nora Tompkins rises from her cardboard house after it withstood assaults of water, ice and wind.

Cardboard Creations camper Nora Tompkins rises from her cardboard house after it withstood assaults of water, ice and wind.

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Cardboard Creations withstand the elements

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Six Edgerton Explorit Center summer campers rose triumphantly from their cardboard creations the afternoon of Friday, June 27, after successfully building cardboard houses that could stand up to whatever was thrown their way.
Country music legend Aaron Tippin is the headline performer for the Friday night county fair concert.

Country music legend Aaron Tippin is the headline performer for the Friday night county fair concert.

County fair sets the stage for family fun

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The 2025 Hamilton County Fair is tuning up to bring excitement, fun and foot stomping music for all ages, with everything from 4-H shows to the grandstand stage.Hamilton County Ag Society treasurer Christina Dose said preparations for the fair have been surprisingly calm leading up to this week.